Musawifee knew at age 16 that he wanted to be a trooper.
The 21-year-old National Service Probationary Inspector (NSPI) was intrigued by the Special Operations Command (SOC)’s “red bus” (or more colloquially referred to as “ang chia”) when he first saw it five years ago.
A Google search on the anti-riot vehicle then led him to the job description of a Police Tactical Unit (PTU) officer.
The officer knew that instant that that was what he wanted to do.
“I was posted to the Home Team Academy as an NSPI after my basic military training. From the first day of my officer cadet training, I knew I wanted to be a SOC trooper,” he recalled.
It was different for his batch-mate Corporal (Cpl) Benny Ng though.
The 22-year-old knew about the existence of SOC through a friend who serves in the PTU, only after his Operationally Ready Date in June last year (2013).
He took the leap of faith to apply as a regular officer and has never looked back.
NSPI Musawifee and Cpl Ng are among 58 full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and regular police officer trainees who went through eight weeks of high-intensity training in hopes of joining the 16th Intake of this elite unit of the Singapore Police Force (SPF).
Only 43 made it through the course and qualify to be a PTU officer.
The PTU, which provides the SPF with tactical response to riots and terrorist attacks on vulnerable target spots island-wide, conducts the Police Tactical Course (PTC) twice a year — in April and September.
Those who applied would be put through a series of physical and mental challenges designed to stretch candidates to their limits.
Besides being trained at defending firearms from a takeaway attempt, NSPI Musawifee has also mastered the skills of combat shooting through real-world simulated gun battles.
But he shared that the most fulfilling moment was to lead his 42-man contingent through a 72-hour grueling training marathon, which involves a 16km road march in combat gear weighing more than 10kg.
“We managed to complete the mission even without adequate rest. That is the most rewarding and fruitful experience for me,” he said.
This is just one of many tests a PTU recruit will have to pass — the others are Combat Fitness Test and the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT).
They would also have to march and run in full battle gear, which consists of a tactical vest, an impact-resistant helmet and shield as well as protective shoulder, elbow, thigh and shin guards.
“Putting on all the (combat) equipment will put you off your comfort zone. This is a test for us as trainees, to be able to overcome the exhaustion from carrying all the weight, so we will be better prepared during a riot,” said NSPI Musawifee.
Of all the challenges Cpl Ng faced, passing the IPPT and 3X test — during which he was tasked to complete a gamut of exercises, including chin-ups, seat-ups, and running at high speeds over short distances — was the most herculean task.
But he and NSPI Musawifee never once thought of giving up.
“It is a ‘mind over body’ kind of situation, where you are really tired but you have to go on… you cannot give in to your body,” said NSPI Musawifee.
While NSPI Musawifee is determined to make his parents proud of what he is about to accomplish as a PTU officer, Cpl Ng instinctively credited his fellow troop mates as his source of motivation.
“Sometimes when we fall in for meals, we get to see other troopers fall in as well. When I see them wear the red berets; that is my motivation; I dreamt to be one of them,” he said.
On 21 November, NSPI Musawifee and Cpl Ng joined 31 Police National Service Full-time (PNSF) officers and 12 Regular police officer trainees in graduating from the Police Tactical Course at the 16th passing-out parade held at SOC, Queensway base.
Guests also had the rare opportunity to witness the officers showcase their tactical movements and strong firepower in armed and unarmed surprise attacks as well as in a simulated gunman situation.
Backs straight and shoulders high, the passing-out officers stood ready and proud as they received their red berets from Commander SOC, AC Anthony Ng — a symbol which highlights their elite status in the police force.
AC Ng also gave out the Best Operational Fitness award and Best Trainee award respectively to Cpl Ng and Special Constable Nor Haiquel in recognition of their outstanding performance in the course.
Cpl Ng modestly dedicated his achievement to his batch mates who pushed and motivated one another through the stressful times:
“(This course allowed me) to achieve something, not as an individual, but together with my PTC mates and troop mates,” he said.
Indeed, the pride on the faces of their loved ones as they don the red berets makes everything worth it.
Cpl Ng’s advice for future candidates of the Police Tactical Course is to come armed with perseverance and strong will.
“Training will inevitably be tough, but tell yourself that it will all be worth it when you don the red beret. So don’t give up”, NSPI Musawifee added.
Source: https://www.hometeam.sg
